Exercising apparatus



Oct. 11,.,1938.v J. l-l.` PILATES 2,132,862

` EXRCISING APPARATUS I Filed Feb. 23, 1957 f za f5 15 i/o @1 INVENTOR.

AUORNEY.

Patented Oct. 11, 1938 EXERCISmG APPARATUS Joseph H. Pilates, New York,N. Y.

Application February 23, 1937, Serial No. 127,025

1 Claim.

This invention relates to exercising apparatus for use by individuals incorrecting physical faults and developing personal physique.

The main object of this invention is to provide a small, compact andinexpensive implement, the continued use of which is adapted to improvethe personal appearance and health by reducing such conditions asbow-legs, knockknees, nat-feet, spinal curvature, drooping shoulders,flat chests, etc., and induce a proper circulation of the Vbloodthroughout the entire system.

A further feature is in the provision of an exercising device that isbroadly applicable substantially to all parts of the body and limbs bymerely changing lthe contact elements in conformity with the location ofapplication.

Another purpose is to produce an exercising apparatus suited to therequirements cf the strong or weak, of either sex, by the selection ofsprings interchangeable therein.

These and allied subjects arev accomplished by the novel 4constructionand arrangement of parts hereinafter described and shown in the annexeddrawing forming a material part of this disclosure, and in which:-

Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention, indicatingone of its `many applications.

Figure 2 is an end view thereof.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional View, taken on line 3 3 of Figure1, and drawn to an enlarged scale. Y

Figure 4 is anv enlarged transverse sectional View taken on line 4-4 ofFigure 1.

Figure 5 is a similar sectional view taken on line 5-5 o-f Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to Figure 3 butshowing a modified contactor element.

Figure 7 is a face view of the same.

Figure 8 is a plan view, like Figure 1, bu showing other contactors,adapted for the feet.

Figure 9 is still another plan View of the apparatus with contactorsarranged for the limbs.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on lines Ill-I0 ofFigure 9. t

As will be seen from the drawing, to Vwhich reference is now made, thedevice is quite simple, consisting of few partswhich include a tube I5having a longitudinal slot I6, the entrance I'I to which is offset andprovided with a detent notch I8. A scale I9 is formed on the tubeadjacent to slot for obvious reasons.

Slidable telescopically in the open end of the tube I5 is another tube20 in which may be set a transverse pin 2|, acting as anA abutment forone end of a compression spring 22 coiled in the interior of the tube 20and extending through 5 the tube I5 to an abutment therein. Fixed in theinner end portion of the tube 20 is a stud gular as shown or -of anyother cross section,

these receivers containing blocks 26, held therein by screws 21 to actas pillows for contactors 28, the iianged Walls of the receiversextruding preferably over the base portion of the contactors.

The outer surface of the contactors may be given any preferred shape tosuit and made of elastic material as desired; for instance, Figures 1and 3 show fiat outer surfaces for contact with the hands and parts ofthe body, and may be provided with projections, as at 30 in Figures 6and 7.

In Figure 8 the pillows are drilled to receive stems 3l of certain formsof contactors, those shown being designed for the feet, as at 32.

Another shape is exhibited in Figures 9 and 10 consisting of a stem 34and concave contactor 35, suited to engage the limbs of the user, aswill be readily understood, the contactors being easily interchangeable.From the foregoing it Will be apparent that upon selecting contactorsappropriately, their inward movement, against the force of the springswill be indicated in pounds pressure on the scale.

Having thus described the invention including the manner of itsconstruction and application, what is claimed as new and sought tosecure by Letters Patent, is:-

In an exercising apparatus having two spring distended telescopic tubesand cup like receivers fixed on their outer extremities, blocks set insaid receivers, and elastic contactors interchangeably carried by saidblocks, said contactors provided With a plurality of projections ontheir outer faces.

JOSEPH H. PILATES.

